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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”